Where do you live?

Editorial Cartoon, February 28, 2013

It’s a simple enough question and virtually all our readers can answer in one word: Oakville. However, for the Canadian Senate it would appear this is more riddle than straight forward inquiry.

In recent months numerous Senators of various political stripes have been investigated to determine travel expenses and places of residency. It is nearly laughable that this is cause for investigation. Those appointed to the Senate are meant to represent Canada, thus, one would assume they are the honourable sort.

Fortunately, we, as Canadians, are able to elect our representatives and if we find them ineffective, dishonourable or in some way unseemly, we can vote them out. Right?

Wrong. Senators are appointed by the ruling government of the day (technically they’re appointed by the Governor General upon the advice of the Prime Minister). What’s more, once in the Senate, we can’t get rid of them unless they commit treason, go bankrupt or commit an ‘infamous crime.’ Otherwise, they get to sit comfortably until they reach the ripe age of 75.

In addition to their cozy salaries, Senators receive benefits, a housing allowance and – apparently – a great deal of travel expenses. Upon retirement (when they choose to do so), they receive a lofty pension.

Why should this matter to residents of North Oakville? That’s really the question that we need to ask of everyone in Canada. The first answer is money: every penny spent on the Senate is from the taxpayers. Anytime public money is spent there should be a level of accountability; moreover, there should be a level of need by the general public.

That’s the next point: is North Oakville a better place because of the Senate? When it comes to the House of Commons, it’s easy to say yes. We have two (Oakville and Halton) representatives in Ottawa. Regardless of their politics, they represent our community. Can the same be said of any member of the Senate?

And finally, residents of North Oakville should care about senate reform because if we don’t, who will?

While our current government is attempting to push through reforms – and they’re not the first government to try and do so – the senate needs to know that we, the voters and taxpayers, believe this is an issue.

To quote one of the great minds of the 20th century, ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better, it’s not.’